Track and Field Comments on the Rules – 2024
By NFHS on November 17, 2023

3-8-1 — As technology continues to evolve in the sport of track and field and cross country, not all Fully Automated Timing systems require separate operators and evaluators. The change gives the Games Committee and meet management the ability to set timing official requirements for each individual meet.

4-2-1 NOTE (NEW) — This change gives state associations the flexibility to modify the number of permitted events for each athlete beyond four events, provided it does not exceed six events.

5-3-1, 9-4-1 (NEW) — With the number of varying track sizes in the high school space the change clarifies that all track staggers are dependent on the geometry of each individual track, and a competent surveyor should determine the lane staggers.

5-7-4c, d NOTE (NEW); 8-4-4 NOTE 2 (NEW) — This change provides a clear definition of a false start and how it should be consistently officiated. Extraneous motion before the device is fired does not necessarily require a false start to be charged unless the runner leaves their mark with hand or foot after the set command or leaves their mark with a forward motion without the starting device being fired.

5-14-1, 2 — The rules change offers clearer guidance to officials and umpires officiating hurdle events and that if a hurdle is displaced by hand this is an infraction.

6-2-2d (NEW) — This clarifies for officials and event judges that in the vertical jumps when a competitor enters for the first time, at any height and no matter the number of competitors left, this competitor is only permitted one minute for their attempt. 6-3-2b — The addition offers guidance to officials when two or more tied competitors withdraw from the competition/jump-off at the same time.

6-3-2b NOTES (NEW) — The new note explains that an athlete withdrawing from a jumpoff concedes the higher place but does not negate the performance in the event nor is it unsporting to simply withdraw in this scenario. The addition helps explain how to officiate these scenarios.

6-4-1, 6-5-1, 6-6-1 — The rules change offers flexibility to athletes in throws events to apply tape to their fingers provided the fingers are not taped together and all fingers can move independently. Additionally, it permits athletes to wear a wrist wrap as long as there are no artificial aids within the wrap such as hard plastic pieces to keep the wrist stiff.

8-1, 8-5 — The rules change clarifies the course layout for ease of use by meet mangers and additionally reorganizes section on teams into articles for easier reading.

9-6-1 (NEW) — The rules change offers guidance on the relay exchange zone in indoor track and field with the varying sizes of indoor tracks across the country.

Track and Field Points of Emphasis – 2024
By NFHS on February 7, 2024

Fair Starts
It is the starter’s responsibility to ensure a fair and legal start and anticipate problems. The interval between the set command and the firing of the starting device should be approximately two seconds. After a starter gives the order “set,” if any competitor is in motion, the starter shall not fire the starting device. Firing the starting device too soon doesn’t allow athletes to get ready, and firing the starting device too slow also creates a situation of unfairness.

Starters may for any reason cancel a start by directing all competitors to “Stand Up.” The following are some of the reasons that a starter may cancel a start in races with legs of less than 800 meters:

  • Noise at the start line,
  • Starting block problem,
  • Obstruction on the track,
  • Slow athlete getting set, 
  • Misfire of starting pistol,
  • Hands on the line,
  • Extraneous movement after the set command. In distance races the following are some of the reasons that a starter could halt or recall the start.
  • Runners not steady,
  • Toes on the line,
  • Failure to come to the line in a timely manner,
  • Impeding a position of another athlete,
  • Fall during first 100 meters due to contact.

Starters play a huge role in fair, consistent and legal starts for student-athletes across all events.

SPORTSMANSHIP
Sportsmanship rules help officials, parents, coaches, and student-athletes develop and reinforce values that apply to the development of the whole person.  Respect for others, honesty, fair play, learning, and understanding the rules are critical life skills that, when practiced, will enhance any individual’s character.  The absence of good sportsmanship jeopardizes one of the fundamental principles of participation in education-based athletics and complicates the team-building process.  A sportsmanship priority is keeping winning and losing in perspective.  Understanding that losing with dignity is an important lesson, everyone must learn and practice.  A collaborative, working relationship should be a priority between officials, game administration, coaches, and student-athletes to promote good sportsmanship during a track meet.  This includes treating people with respect and using appropriate language, actions, and language that build people up and values each person. 

It is critical to remember that winning means you were the best version of yourself that day.  The beauty of track and field is that one constantly tests themself against one’s best time, height, or distance.  Continual improvement is a hallmark of successful student-athletes, programs, teams, and coaches.   This improvement also involves positive sporting behavior, a fundamental ingredient of education-based high school sports.   

CROSS COUNTRY SAFETY 
Training for Cross Country is unique in that there are so many options afforded to the runner(s) to accomplish their workouts. Not being limited to the track allows the runners access to parks, city streets, highways and country roads. However, each of these options creates safety concerns that all runnersand coaches should keep in mind. Workouts and runs should be fun, relaxing, carefree experiences. Sadly, the need for runner safety tips is evidenced by a dramatic increase in pedestrian deaths in the United States, as well as eight reported running-related motor vehicle crashes resulting in nine deaths and two disabling injuries among middle school and high school cross country and track and field runners between 2011 and 2021. 

It is critical that administrators, coaches and athletes promote and practice safety and risk minimization strategies as Cross Country runners share the road with vehicles and drivers that have become increasingly distracted on the roads.  Some key safety measures that can be promoted by school coaches and others to their Cross Country runners include:   

  • Using sidewalks when available or run facing traffic. 
  • Stay alert and avoid wearing headphones and using electronic devices, including cell phones. 
  • Crossing roads at crosswalks and intersections, when available. If not, cross at a well-lit location. 
  • Avoid running when it is dark. If it is dark, wear bright, reflective materials and/or use a flashlight or head lamp. 
  • Follow the rules of the road. 
  • Avoid running along eastbound roads at sunrise or along westbound roads at sunset. 
  • Provide a safety orientation for first-year runners 
  • Run in pairs 
  • Never run against traffic lights 
  • Avoid running in higher traffic speed areas 
  • Run during lower traffic times if running along a road 
  • Avoid loitering along the road before and after runs 

Coaches need to plan when developing a road route where stop lights, routes, and heavy traffic exist. Educating the athletes on where to go for safety in case of weather, emergency situations and hydration stops is crucial to athlete safety.